During the late 1970s, a sitcom called “The Love Boat” introduced cruising to the general public. Once a week, viewers got a glimpse of life at sea aboard a ship where fun was key and love was just around the next bulkhead. Only a few scenes took place inside passenger cabins, which appeared spacious enough to mirror some hotel rooms. Step aboard a Carnival ship and you’ll find a few cabins, or staterooms, of a similar size. But that’s just part of the picture. In reality, staterooms come in a variety of categories with pricing determined by size and location.

Stateroom Locations Explained

The type of stateroom available often is determined by the deck on which that stateroom is. Using the Carnival Breeze as an example, you’ll find a ship with 14 decks, 10 of which have staterooms. The lower decks have smaller and less-expensive cabins with more in the Interior category. On the Breeze, once you get to the second deck, there are cabins called Cove Balconies, which are smaller than the normal Balcony category but large enough for a table and two patio chairs. The next three decks are the Promenade, the Mezzanine and the Lobby, all public spaces with no cabins. Decks 6 through 9 have the bulk of the cabins including Interior, Ocean, Balcony and Suite. The Lido deck is next, with half of it public space and the rest Interior and Exterior cabins. Deck 11 is much the same, except the cabins also include the Cloud 9 Spa category, giving guests private access to the Cloud 9 Spa. Deck 12 is the Spa and Sports deck with all cabins being Cloud 9 Spa category. The actual spa is on Deck 14. Deck 13 doesn’t exist. If you are prone to seasickness, choosing a cabin that is amidships and on a lower deck tends to help minimize the symptoms. Think of a ship as a seesaw. The closer you are to the center of the seesaw, the less the up-and-down movement.

Inside or Outside Staterooms

Inside staterooms usually are the least expensive on most cruise ships, including the Carnival Breeze. If you’re the type who is only in the cabin to sleep, it’s not so bad. Just keep in mind that inside means no window and no sunlight. Without a clock, you won’t be able to tell if it’s day or night. If you look at the Carnival Pride, you’ll see the interior and exterior cabins are the same size, 185 square feet. The inside cabin just seems smaller because of the lack of window. On the Breeze, Interior staterooms are available with upper and lower bunks as well as two twins that usually can be be pushed together to create one large bed. Interior rooms are available in the Cloud 9 Spa category. The Breeze has an interior cabin with a picture window overlooking the observation deck, but these usually are obstructed. These hybrid rooms provide some natural light but nothing much to look at.

Ocean View Staterooms

Ocean View cabins have a window facing the sea. The size of that window varies according to the deck and the ship. Sometimes, you’ll have a large picture window. With others, you look out of a porthole. The Carnival Breeze has regular Ocean View, Deluxe Ocean View, Partially Obstructed Ocean View, and Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View rooms. Depending on the cabin configuration and the deck location, some of the Deluxe Ocean View staterooms can sleep up to five people.

Ocean View Balcony

The Ocean View Balcony category replaces the outside wall with a large picture window and a glass door leading out to a private balcony. The smallest is the Cove Balcony, which provides private space with seating area but without the panoramic view. The Aft-View Extended Balcony overlooks the stern of the ship and has more lounging space. Top of the line is the Premium Vista Balcony, corner staterooms on the aft end of the ship. The Cloud 9 Spa Balcony category also is available.

The Suite Life

The Breeze has three suite categories, all with balconies. The smallest is the Junior Suite, which is all one space but with a larger sitting area and a bathroom with a jetted tub. The Ocean Suite has more space, partially divided with a larger balcony, and provides a higher degree of privacy. Top of the line is the Grand Suite with a semi-separated sleeping area, wraparound balcony and separate dressing area.

Solo Travelers and the Single Supplement

Cabins on most cruise lines, including Carnival, are set up for at least two passengers. Think of it in terms of a hotel room. A hotel charges a nightly rate per room, based on double occupancy. If two people stay in the room, the per person rate is half the room rate. A solo traveler pays the entire fee. Cruise lines usually charge “single supplements” to solo travelers. As of this writing in 2013, Carnival has suspended its single supplement on certain cruises. The least expensive way to cruise is to travel with a friend.

Resources

About the Author

Monica Wachman is a former editor and writer for FishersTravelSOS, EasyRez.com and Bonsai Ireland. She has an AA degree in travel from Career Com Technical and is an avid RV buff and gardener. In 2014, she published "Mouschie and the Big White Box" about an RV trip across North America.